Emily E. Camaioni

Emily E. Camaioni, age 71, of Maple Park, formerly of Geneva, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home.

She was born August 10, 1950, in Berwyn, the daughter of Robert and Theresa (Sedlock) Zambreno.   Growing up in the middle of six brothers and sisters, living in a one bathroom house, she learned early to share and bear the joys and tribulations of being together [whether she wanted to or not.]  However, it also solidified their love for each other, which would only grow with the passing of their father when she was 14.  She assumed much of the responsibility for her younger siblings while her mother and older siblings worked.  This explained her “take charge” and organized personality, always ready to give joyfully of herself where needed.  Although she developed diabetes in her late teen years, she never let its challenges stop her from fulfilling her dreams of marriage, motherhood and an unquenchable love of adventures.  She loved to travel, especially exploring the West and National Parks with her children and extended family.  She was also just as fond of simply “running away” with her mother and children for the day to Monroe or New Glarus, WI for cheese and cream puffs. (She never said she was a “good” diabetic.)

She also took great joy and pride in her service of others as a registered nurse and trauma care specialist, which sometimes made “interesting” dinner conversations for her children.  She continued to bring joy and hope to those with catastrophic injuries as a health case manager for the city of Chicago and other companies throughout the Midwest. 

While her faith in God was always present growing up and volunteering in the church, Scouting and local community, she encountered Our Lord Jesus more personally while making a Cursuillo  retreat.  Her love of God deepened further through involvement in the Cursuillo movement and through pilgrimages to Italy, Poland and Medjugorje.  She faithfully assisted her husband for over 20 years with Mary’s Calling Us, a weekly Rosary prayer group inspired by their pilgrimage to Medjugorje.  Aware of her own weakness and struggles, she deeply trusted in the love and help of our Blessed Mother Mary to lead herself and others into the merciful Heart of Jesus.

Her great joy these last years has been creating lasting memories with her grandchildren through trips out West, holiday visits and baking, and, in particular, the gift of caring for her youngest grandchild, Bernie, whom she affectionately argued was “her boy.”  With almost daily baking, she was passing on to him her skills and self-proclaimed personal motto: “She fed them well.”

Emily is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Joseph; children Anthony (Lesley) of California, Father Matthew Camaioni of Fulton, and Denise (Elvis Regis) Konyaole of Elburn; grandchildren Samantha, Joshua and Jaimie Camaioni, Bernard, Yannice and William Konyaole; siblings Mary (Kevin) Conway of Elmhurst, Paula Zambreno (Dennis Jastrzab) of Florida, Robert (Jackie) Zambreno of Geneva, Carla Zambreno (James Geier) of Utah, Nora Zambreno of Utah, Sandy (Thomas) Culumber, and Mickey (Jack) Fornaro; sister-in-law Pattie Zambreno of Kingston; and many other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Tom.

Funeral prayers for Emily will be held Friday, September 24, 2021 at 8:45 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street, Geneva proceeding to St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Road, Elburn for celebration of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am with Father Matthew Camaioni celebrant.  

To view Emily's mass virtually please click on the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86744951658?pwd=QmE1SVFWK0dDdG1rQTE0dTcxREtpdz09

Passcode: 650459

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 23 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home with a Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy to be prayed beginning at 7:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy at https://marianmissionaries.org would be appreciated.

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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